ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session
	House: HHS DPA 9-0-0-0

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HB 2408: health professionals; voluntary care; immunity

Sponsor:  Representative Cobb, LD 5

Caucus & COW

Overview

Enables a health care provider to receive one hour of continuing education (CE) credit for each hour of free medical services provided to eligible patients.

History

A health professional, or health professional who meets volunteer registration requirements and who provides services within the scope of the health professional's certificate or license at a nonprofit clinic where neither the professional or nonprofit clinic receives compensation, is not liable in a medical malpractice action, unless the health professional was grossly negligent.

A nonprofit clinic is defined as a clinic, an office, a homeless or other shelter, a health or screening fair or any other setting where treatment, care or screening is provided at no cost to the patient.                       (A.R.S. § 12-571)

Provisions

1. Clarifies that a private medical office maintained by a health professional is a nonprofit clinic. (Sec. 1)

2. Allows a health care provider to receive one hour of CE credit for each hour of free medical services provided to eligible patients. (Sec. 1)

3. Allows a health care provider to receive up to a maximum of eight CE credits per licensure period. (Sec. 1)

4. States that an eligible patient means either:

a) A person who is eligible for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System; or

b) A person who does not have health insurance and whose annual household income does not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level. (Sec. 1)

5. Defines health care provider. (Sec. 1)

Amendments

Committee on Health & Human Services

1. Includes naturopathic physicians as a health care provider.

2. Clarifies that the CE credits cannot be used as a substitute for the three hours of opioid related, substance use disorder or addiction-related continuing education required for health professionals who prescribe Schedule II controlled substances.

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6. Initials IG/AG                    Caucus & COW

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